"Family bonds are inseparable — no one can break them... They are the most important roots we have in this world."
"You will find her. Come what may, you must never give up."
…
"I will always be here for you as your...Ahem! As your friend. I will always support you."
….Ohhh, That's really what I said to him all that time ago, huh?
Another calm breeze had found its way into Inazuma City. As Ayaka made her way down the Mainstreet of Inazuma City, she felt the wind lightly blow over her hair and the base of her skirt. At the same time, she couldn't help but recall one of the first times when she was confronted with her feelings for Aether.
As she made her way past the Amenoma Smithy Workshop and up the spiraling staircase, Ayaka smiled and cringed slightly at her happy memories with Aether. Numerous passersby, recognizing who she was, called out to her and waved. Ayaka, deeply lost in thought, did something uncharacteristic of her and paid them no mind. After all, she had somewhere she needed to be.
As she passed Tsukumomono Groceries in Inazuma City, Ayaka finally arrived at her destination just after another flight of stairs. The Adventurers Guild.
"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers Guild. Ahh, Ms. Kamisato, you have returned. Thank you for completing today's commissions. Here is your reward."
Just as Katheryne had finished speaking, she handed Ayaka a simple coin pouch, which held the rewards for completing the four commissions that had been assigned to her. Having accompanied Aether before on many of his daily commissions from the Adventurers Guild, she knew what to expect. Escorting a transport balloon or helping find material samples for new clothing patterns was nothing new to Ayaka. However, having never actually taken a closer look at the Adventurers Guild and their rates of pay, Ayaka opened the bag out of curiosity.
Inside was an assortment of Mora and Weapon Materials, along with other useful items of value. Deciding to trust that Katheryne had done everything right, Ayaka nodded and accepted the pouch.
"Thank you again, Katheryne. I apologize again for all the trouble and inconvenience I caused you earlier, I am very new to all of this." Katheryne nodded and gave Ayaka a simple smile. "Like I said this morning, it's all a part of the job. I help new adventurers every day, teaching them the workings of the Adventurers Guild…..from accepting their very first commission to helping them finish their guidebook…"
"Though, I will express my surprise again when you came up to me this morning and asked to join Aether's team and do his Daily Commissions today in place of him. For whatever reason, he hasn't come by at all in the past few days. Usually, when you approach me, you have a request for the Guild, and are not here to join it."
Ayaka looked away embarrassed. "Ha, yes I admit it was a bit out of the blue, but Aether is currently…ahh… feeling….unwell, and I was partly the cause of it. So, I thought I would make it up to him. I'm aware that he has quite the record here to keep."
Katheryne looked down at her notes in front of her, before replying to Ayaka. "Yes, that's correct. Aether's team is one of the highest-performing in the entire Guild. Let's see…yes, he is basically only second to a Team called "Benny's Adventure Team" that's based in Mondstadt. And he mostly does it solo as well, with some special expectations."
"But…with you officially offering to join his team, does that mean I will be seeing you more often, Ms. Kamisato? Alongside Aether and Paimon?"
Ayaka blushed slightly at the mention of Aether's name. "If everything works out, then yes, I suppose. I fully intend to be much closer to him from now on."
Katheryne smiled. "I see. I look forward to the new adventures that await the two of you." Katheryne paused for a moment looking puzzled, before continuing. Her eyes suddenly narrowed. "Actually, now that I have thought about it, it appears that our voices are quite alike, aren't they, Ms. Kamisato? We are perhaps one of the same….."
…
..
.
"I beg your pardon?"
…
"...Rebooting…"
…
As if coming out of a daze, Katheryne's eyes suddenly went wide, before narrowing. Ayaka simply looked on, confused at the Receptionist's demeanor and previous comment.
"Ahhh, before you go, Ms. Kamisato. Please give this to Aether as well. It's a part of the reward for completing a set amount of Daily Commissions. They are called Primogems. Quite rare and exclusive items. These were reserved for him by…..Greater Powers." Handling the four-pointed star with care, Katheryne placed the blue and shiny star into Ayaka's outstretched hand. Ayaka couldn't help but stare at the foreign object that was not in her hand. Its blue reflections flashed before her eyes, mimicking the wonder that reminded her of the eyes of a certain boy.
"I understand that Aether knows what to do with them. And I think you will too after today."
"...after today?" Ayaka asked Katheryne as she placed the Primogem into the same coin pouch that Katheryne had just given her.
"You will see what I mean. Farewell, Adventurer, and thank you for supporting the Adventurers Guild." Signaling the end of their conversion, Katheryne gave a small bow to Ayaka as she stepped off to the side. Just as quickly, another adventurer had stepped up to the counter and was now talking to Katheryne about their Commissions for the day.
…..A Primogem…can't say I've heard of this material before…Perhaps it's rare and exclusive to another country? Maybe from Liyue? Hmm, but she said that it's from a "Greater Power?" …Also, what happened to Katheryne back there? Aether did say that she is an interesting character when making small talk with her….
Deciding not to dwell on what the mysterious material that Katheryne had handed her, Ayaka placed the pouch in her small purse. The Adventures Guild was well respected, plus Katheryne had mentioned that Aether would know what to do with the mysterious 4-pointed star. Deciding to trust her words, Ayaka began to make her way to her second destination, the Komore Teahouse. Located not too far from the Adventurers Guild, it made for a quick walk past the small food stands and gift shops that littered both sides of the busy street.
Aether is feeling unwell….I guess that's sort of true.
During her conversation with Katheryne, Ayaka conveniently left out the fact that Aether was feeling a bit more than unwell. It had been a few days since their encounter with his sister and their rescue by the Raiden Shogun. Aether had yet to wake up from when he fell unconscious at the very end. According to Yae Miko and the Raiden Shogun herself, Aether would wake up in due time. The Shogun hypothesized that her personal Electro Storm that she had summoned in the ruins had probably affected him in some way and that he would probably be fine after some deep rest.
When pressed by Ayaka on how she knew that, the Shogun cryptically replied that this had happened to Aether before, on one of their "personal adventures" and "duals."
Having decided not to press Her Excellency for more details, Ayaka had worked around the clock for the past few days taking care of Aether at the Komore Teahouse. With the help of Paimon and Kujo Sara, taking care of the unconscious Aether turned out to be a simple affair. Kujo Sara would visit the Teahouse right in the mornings before her patrol shift in the city, while Ayaka and Paimon handled everything in the afternoons and evenings. This gave her some free time in the mornings to finish her work at the Yashiro Commission. Or for this morning, doing Aether's work at the Adventures Guild.
Arriving at the Teahouse and giving her usual greeting to Kozue, the Teashop's assistant, Ayaka entered the Komore Teahouse and made a direct beeline to Aether's room. Today, Paimon was out with Kujo Sara, who had invited her out when she came by in the morning. With some pushing from Ayaka, Paimon had given in to Kujo Sara's request. Paimon hadn't left Aether's side ever since they had returned. It would be good for Paimon to go out and get some fresh air.
It also gave Ayaka some much-wanted alone time with Aether.
While Kujo Sara hadn't specifically mentioned it, but based on the look that Ayaka got when from Kujo Sara this morning, she was forever grateful to her fellow colleague.
Peeking into Aether's room, Aether was still fast asleep under the covers. Entering quietly, Ayaka got a fresh wet towel from the nearby table and sat down next to Aether, replacing the now-dry towel that Kujo Sara had placed on his forehead in the morning.
Sighing to herself quietly, Ayaka then returned to Aether's side with a cup of Mocha tea in her hands. As she sipped on her warm cup of tea, Ayaka watched Aether in his sleep.
He looks so peaceful in his sleep…You would never know the things he has experienced in the past and the present.
Thinking to herself, Ayaka suddenly remembered the contents of her purse. Reaching into it and searching for it for a while, Ayaka found the coin pouch that Katheryne had handed to her.
So this is what you survive daily. Sigh. If you had accepted my offer last time, you would have had a full-time job with me at the Yashiro Commission, dummy.
How you manage to keep Paimon fed with only this is beyond me….
Reaching into the coin pouch, Ayaka pulled out the item that had caught her eye earlier. Pulling it out of the bag, the Primogem still had the blue shine from when Katheryne had handed it to her. Holding it out in front of her, she quickly glanced over at the sleeping boy next to her.
….if only I could see your eyes now Aether…..I'm fairly sure that this crystal has the exact color and reflections you do in your eyes…I'm sure of it…..
"Aether knows what to do with them. And I think you will too after today."
…..and what does Katheryne mean by that….Do you really know what you can do with these, dear Aether?
Handling the four-pointed star with care, the blue and shiny star twinkled in Ayaka's hand. As she stared at it in her hand, the blue reflections flashed before her eyes, mimicking the wonder that reminded her of the eyes of the boy sleeping in front of her.
This is my desire…..to be with Aether…
Staring at the pointed star in her hands, she couldn't help but sense the feeling of overwhelming nostalgia in her hands. Before his arrival, Ayaka had always wondered what would happen when the famous Traveler made his way to her country. Would he openly dispute the Vision Hunt Decree? Would he go along with her ideas and plans at the Yrashio Commission? Or would he side with the Tenryou Commission and the Raiden Shogun herself? Would the Shogun have accounted for his arrival?
Well, I suppose that's all in the past now.
No matter how the Inazuma affairs could or would have played out, most people, including Ayaka, were happy with the final outcome. And they had Aether to thank for it.
Sigh…..maybe I had a small crush on him before I ever saw him in the first place.
As the time they spent together increased, Ayaka couldn't help but have her feelings for Aether grow. From hiding him during the Vision Hunt Decree to accompanying him to the depths that was Enkanomiya, Ayaka felt that they had done it all.
However, on the night of the festival she had gone to with Aether during the Vision Hunt Decree, Ayaka had come to terms that maybe she was destined to be stuck in Inazuma, fulfilling her role and duties at the Yrashio Commission for the greater good of all of Inazuma.
But perhaps, maybe that's not the case…maybe I was mistaken back then….
Looking at the shining Primogem in her hands, and at the boy still soundly sleeping next to her, Ayaka suddenly felt a sense of courage run through her. Now blushing slightly, she began leaning in closer to Aether's sleeping face. Ayaka closed her eyes and placed her lips on Aether's soft cheeks.
…..huh?
Just as her lips touched Aether's cheeks, she suddenly felt a pulse of energy run through her. Opening her eyes, she noticed that the Primogem was now glowing brightly, like a bright star. Captivated by the glowing star in her hands, she also noticed that something was glowing from the inside of Aether's Adventure Pack, which was sitting next to her and Aether. Curious about what was happening, Ayaka reached over and opened the backpack as well.
She was suddenly engulfed in a bright flash of light.
"...Hey, hey are you okay Ayaka? I know it takes a bit of time to get used to, but it's not too bad after a while."
Blinking twice, Ayaka suddenly found herself in the middle of a field, one that looked remarkably like Byakko Plain just outside of Inazuma City. Hearing a voice, and realizing that someone was holding her by the shoulder and waist, Ayaka looked to her side and saw that Aether was standing next to her.
"I will say, it took you long enough to figure out how to get here on your own…"
"...Aether!? Is that really you?! You're okay!" After the sudden shock of seeing Aether next to her wore off, Ayaka did something a bit uncharacteristic and bold of her, that is jumping and embracing Aether. Aether, expecting something like this to happen, happily caught her in his arms.
"Wait, Am I dreaming right now? Oh no, don't tell me I fell asleep next to you! Oh, what would Kozue or Paimon say if they caught me in this embarrassing position, sleeping next to you after I kis-"
"Hey Ayaka, don't worry, you're not asleep. You're actually in my Serenitea Pot….you've been here before, remember?"
Ayaka simply blinked in confusion at Aether. "I'm in your Serenitea Pot….but how? You didn't give me physical permission to come in….And what about you? Were you not still asleep when I…" Ayaka blushed and stopped herself from mentioning the light kiss she had just given to Aether.
Aether let go of Ayaka from his arms and scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Ahh, there is a long story to that. My consciousness has been here in the Serenitea Pot for a while actually…..back when we all returned and arrived at the Teahouse. Let's just say it's a trick that your Almighty Shogun taught me…going between different planes...hehe…..but yeah, while you have been taking care of my wounds out there, I've been doing some mental soul-searching in here."
Aether suddenly turned away from Ayaka. "Actually, I was expecting you to figure out how to join me here in the Serenitea Pot much sooner…..the necessary Sigils and Realm Dispatch should just be my backpack." Aether suddenly turned around and smiled at Ayaka. "I was planning to give them to you as a gift after the Dango Milk Decree. ...So you can visit me at any time...Hehe. But you figured it out, and now you and my body finally join me here, physically anyway."
A blush suddenly appeared on Aether's face. "Um, thanks for taking care of me too, by the way…."
Now blushing a deeper red than before, Ayka decided to change the topic. "Ummm I didn't figure anything out, if I recall correctly, it was because of the Primogem that Katheryne had given me. It began glowing in my hands when I was sitting next to you. And then your backpack began to glow, and I investigated…."
A look of surprise appeared on Aether's face, before he struck a thinking pose. "A Primogem? Now how did Kamisato Ayaka get a Primogem? …Did you happen to do my Daily Commissions for me, Ms. Ayaka?"
Having been figured out, Ayaka looked away embarrassed. "I felt like I had to….After all, it was me who got you into all of this, and I know you have a reputation to keep and-…."
Ayaka was suddenly stopped by Aether placing a finger on her mouth.
"Ayaka, don't take any blame for anything that happened. Please, just don't."
A moment of silence overcame the two of them, Aether's finger still on her mouth.
"But the Primogem reacted. I guess my sister is right after all."
Aether suddenly turned away from Ayaka and stared off into the horizon. The Inazuman landscape that Aether had chosen for the Serenitea Pot closely mimicked the beauty of the real Inazuma. The rolling hills and warmth surrounded the two of them and reminded both of them of home. At the mention of Aether's sister, both of them understood the weight of what was to come.
"Ayaka, we need to talk."
Aether and Ayaka found themselves silently walking along on the endless trails that had been created in the Serenitea Pot. As the sun began to set, the two simply enjoyed each other's company as they passed by the many buildings and structures that Aether had built. Scattered around were small villages and forest environments, all constructed to have the look and feel of Inazuma.
Sticking to the main path, Aether said that he had a place in mind that he wanted to stop at. Not in a position to disagree, Ayaka simply nodded her head as the two of them continued on their walk. Having been in Aether's Serenitea Pot a few times, Ayaka did know her way around. However, as they walked farther and farther, more and more of the land became unrecognizable to Ayaka.
Taking a side trail through a small forest, the two suddenly found themselves in the middle of a small clearing at a nearby cliff, overlooking a small river and beach. With the sun setting over the horizon in the distance, it made for a picturesque scene. Stopping at the edge of the cliff and standing side by side, Aether and Ayaka looked down at the river below them, taking in the sound of the rushing water and the sounds of the nearby wildlife.
As if sensing the moment, both of them suddenly turned to face each other. Noticing what had happened, the two let out a chuckle. Aether was the first to speak. "It's a bit too late now, but I think I really need to tell you everything." Raising an eyebrow at the boy in front of her, Aether couldn't help but let out a light laugh. "...Yeah, definitely an understatement…"
Ayaka let out a light giggle as Aether continued. "Where to start?... A few days before you roped me into helping out with the Dango Milk Decree, you offered to let me stay at the Teahouse, remember? During that night, I had a strange dream where I heard voices…..and when I woke up in the middle of the night, my room was filled with a strange cold sensation that felt oddly familiar….."
"...just like that Cryo Fog in Chinju Forest?"
Aether smiled. "Just as sharp as ever I see, Ayaka. But yes, just like the Cryo Fog we saw in Chinju Forest. …The voice and vision I saw from it though, made me realize what my sister and The Abyss were up to…..I'm pretty sure she wanted to test my resolve and see if I would succumb like her to the darkness if given the chance."
"...You succumbing to the darkness of the Abyss? Is that what you mean? But how would that be possible? Your sister-"
"My sister means well….I think. You see, my sister is much more aware of this world, and quite frankly, it's probably not what it seems. I don't know any specifics, but from what I understand, she has already been on a journey…..and she became close with someone as well…..and they journeyed together for a while."
"...I believe The Raiden Shogun and Yae Miko realized what The Abyss and my sister were trying to do. Yae Miko at the very least noticed the conflict that I was having and realized that I was questioning my very own desires regarding my sister. I think she knows much more than she lets on."
Aether paused for a moment, before continuing. "...It's hard for you to think about, I know, but please bear with me. When my sister held you, hostage, you talked to her right? What did she say to you? Does any of it line up with what I'm thinking...?"
"My brother…..has been doing well, he needs to form his own opinions on this world. But he risks forming the wrong ones. He is already doing so."
"The empty darkness of the Abyss after those events….is something that drains everything from you…your mind…..your soul…..your heart…I know that personally. And my brother has only seen a fraction of what I have experienced for all these thousands of years. You risk losing sight of the big picture and becoming tunnel visioned…..I know I was."
-{}-
"...Please, just keep your eyes on him."
-{}-
Ayaka nodded. "Yes, it does. Our talk was brief, but she described how the darkness can easily consume you and that you need someone to keep you grounded in this world. She also said that you need to form your own opinions and ideas about Teyvat…but it was clear that she really does deeply care about you…"
"…and I think she wanted me too as well."
As the final words left her mouth, Ayaka and Aether simply stared into each other's eyes, both wondering what the other was thinking. With a light blush now on her face, Ayaka wondered where their conversation was going.
Aether was the first to break eye contact and look away. "...Ah I see." Embarrassed, Aether continued. "So, Ayaka, do you care for me in that way?"
A moment of silence came over the two standing on the edge of the cliff. With the sun having set long ago, Aether and Ayaka found themselves looking at each other under the bright moonlight. As the stars twinkled above, Ayaka made another bold move.
"I do."
Ayaka began to move her face closer to Aether's, and Aether did the same as they were drawn closer. They moved with grace. On her tippy toes, Ayaka's lips landed on Aether's own.
A kiss under the moonlight was definitely on way to confirm one's feelings for another
Sitting against a nearby tree, Aether looked up at the stars while he held Ayaka in his arms as she sat in his lap. Having only been cuddling for a few moments, Aether was impressed that the girl in his arms had somehow already managed to tuck herself under Aether's chin, rubbing her cheek against his neck.
"...I didn't know you were one for cuddles, Ms. Kamisatio."
"Heh, How greedy of me."
With her playful comment, Ayaka somehow made herself more comfortable and moved deeper into Aether's embrace. Resigning himself to his fate, Aether simply tightened his grip around Ayaka's waist.
As the stars twinkled above, and the fireflies became more and more numerous, Aether suddenly remembered something that Ayaka had mentioned earlier. Recalling that Ayaka had managed to get a Primogem, he decided that now was the best time to make it official. Feeling motivated, he began prying Ayaka away from his chest and brought her face up to his. Ayaka simply pouted in annoyance, having been dragged out of her cuddle with Aether.
"Hey, do you still have that Primogem that Katheryne gave you?"
Puzzled at Aether's question, Ayaka nodded. "Yes I do, I checked my pockets as we went about our walk. I have it here…." Ayaka reached into one of the hidden pockets that were sworn into her skirt. Now in her delicate hand, it still twinkled just like it had before when she first stared into it.
As she became lost in the star in her hands, she glanced over at Aether, who was watching her with a small smile and curious look on his face. Looking at his eyes, they danced just happily just like the blue and shiny star in Ayaka's hand. Ayaka was right. The patterns and reflections that flashed in both Aether's eyes and inside the Primogem mimicked each other like long-lost twins.
There is something unworldly in those eyes of his. And something unworldly of this gem in my hand….
Taking Ayaka's free hand, Aether also gently transferred the bright Primogem into the palm of his other hand, and gracefully spun it on one of the four-pointed tips. Ayaka only watched in awe as it spun on its own, with no obvious power source for its motion. Eventually, the gem elegantly came to a stop in Aether's palm.
"Ayaka…." Looking up from the shining gem, Ayaka met Aether's eyes, which were glowing just as brightly. She could tell that Aether was about to say something important.
"...Heh, I don't even know where to start with all of this. Kamisatio Ayaka, you mean so much to me at this point. I don't even know what to think. When we entered the ruins, and I saw you tied up and gagged, I knew that I had to do something, but I couldn't. I was in an unwinnable position, and as my sister mentioned, I ultimately had no say in the final matter, as we were saved by the Raiden Shogun and Yae Miko. Mortals often don't."
"But, my sister and I are special in that regard. Whether I am here to simply witness events or take part in them, I am sometimes just powerless…"
Ayaka suddenly perked up, lifting her arm that she was holding Aether's hand with. "That's not true! You challenged the Vision Hunt Decree alongside me and many others. You and I definitely had a say in the outcome! We challenged...and changed the thinking of my Archon!"
Aether smiled at Ayaka's interjection. "That's what makes you special Ayaka, you're able to put two and two together. You didn't hesitate to believe in what was right, and you were willing to go against your Goddess for that matter."
"While this entire thing with the Dango Milk Decree and affairs was probably orchestrated by The Shogun and probably Yae Miko for that matter, I know it was to prove one thing. Something that they now understand, and something that I think my sister has yet to fully understand. But they now understand something else that her Abyss self might not admit to."
"My sister is right. Mortals often don't have a say in the outcome. But Archons and Gods often don't as well. It's the feelings and emotions that run deeper than anything else, and may never go away, despite how everything may seem. A God could destroy the world and its people, but the friendships and deeper bonds of those people are simply unbreakable and will last forever. They also deeply affect one's personal desires and the path they decide to choose."
"They are what dictate the outcome of a story."
"...Deep bonds are what dictate a story...I see…"
Aether paused his out-loud thinking and looked at the girl still in his lap. Having been quiet and listening intently, Ayaka had given Aether her full attention, understanding the weight of the words that he was saying. As the stars shined behind her and a light show began in the sky, Aether decided to make it a reality.
"Kamisato Ayaka. I really don't know what the future holds. But one thing is for sure, and that is I want to be with you. Is it okay that I make you that promise among the stars and beyond?"
As if sensing the moment, the Primogem began to spin once more in the palm of Aether's hand.
Looking at the girl in front of her, Ayaka simply stared at Aether with a look of pure shock. Whatever she was expecting Aether to say, his words had surprised her. Tears of pure joy began to make their way out of Ayaka's eyes. As she wiped them away with the sleeves of her shirt, a warm simple formed on her face.
Through her own happy tears, Ayaka let out her answer.
"I-I accept! A-And I promise the same thing to you, A-ether. I promise to stay with you, too!"
At Ayaka's declaration, the Primogem began to spin rapidly, as if getting ready to take flight from Aether's hand. Both of them looked at the star in Aether's hand as began to change color to a bright shade of yellow, before letting out a blinding flash.
Opening their eyes, the Primogem in Aether's hand was no more. Looking around them, both Ayaka and Aether watched in awe as tiny golden sparkles slowly floated down toward the ground. As if the two of them were under a shower of floating stars, dancing down without care.
"A promise among the stars. You know, our constellations are now intertwined, Ayaka."
The two enjoyed a comfortable silence as they watched the tiny sparkles fall around them. Bringing Ayaka back into his arms, she returned the favor by tucking herself back under Aether's chin, basking in each other's warmth. Watching the show of stars around, Ayaka did her best to make herself presentable again, adjusting her hair and wiping her face with the sleeves of her dress. Aether simply chuckled and played with the ends of her ponytail while she recovered. As the last of the stars fell to the ground, Ayaka spoke up.
"Aether, you're gonna have to do some more explaining later. I admit that I barely understand all this Abyss stuff, but what do you mean, "Our constellations?" Also, does this mean we're married now from where-?"
At Ayaka's sudden question, Aether could only choke on air in response. Realizing what she had done, quickly moved off of Aether's lap to give him more breathing room. Aether, missing Ayaka's warmth, recovered quickly and whisked her back onto his lap. Suddenly in an embrace, she decided to simply accept it.
"Think of that as a forever promise across worlds beyond. I'll get a proper Astrologist to explain it better sometime….Actually, I don't think she would be able to, the details are still really unknown…..B-But I wouldn't say no to m-marriage sometime in the distant future...maybe..."
Aether could only smile as he tried his best to contain the burst of happy energy and squealing coming from the girl in his arms.
AN/
Fun Fact: In the English dub, Ayaka is voiced by Erica Mendez. She also voices Katheryne of the Adventures Guild /
Now that you know, you can be like me and never unhear it when listening to either of them. Katheryne is right! They are one of the same!
One more chapter coming very soon!